Stem Cells for Transverse Myelitis

Patients suffering from uncommon conditions, such as transverse myelitis, often have limited treatment options, since these conditions lack the funding and the research needed to understand the disease and its causes. Here we will discuss stem cells for Transverse Myelitis.

Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, unlocks a new understanding of conditions and treatments. Physicians are discovering the potential of new methodologies, such as stem cell therapy. This alternative therapy may offer options for rare and common conditions affecting millions of patients worldwide. 

Transverse myelitis is a rare condition, affecting only about 1400 people per year. Understanding and treating transverse myelitis can improve the lives of patients and their loved ones and may lead to breakthroughs in treating related disorders and diseases with overlapping symptoms. 

What Is Transverse Myelitis?

Transverse myelitis is a neurological condition in which inflammation in the spinal cord damages the protective coating around the neurons, called myelin. Damaged myelin disrupts communication between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body, which can result in partial or total paralysis.

Patients with transverse myelitis often experience weakness in their arms and legs, bladder and bowel dysfunctions, sharp, radiating pain, and abnormal sensations like burning, tingling, and numbness.

How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?

Stem cells can differentiate into different types of specialized cells that develop into blood, bones, organs, and other tissues. These specialized cells can repair, restore, replace, and regenerate cells. 

In stem cell therapy treatments, physicians strategically administer the cells to best target damaged or destroyed tissues. The stem cells then work to rapidly regenerate, differentiating into the cells necessary to heal the damaged tissue.

How Can Stem Cells Manage Transverse Myelitis?

Researchers are investigating stem cell treatments for transverse myelitis by exploring the potential for stem cells to restore demyelinated spinal cords. These studies help physicians understand how transverse myelitis damages the myelin sheath and the mechanisms that may be able to treat the disease. 

Researchers are currently seeing promising results in differentiating stem cells into healthy motor neurons, directing the new cells to repair the damaged myelin sheath and restore their connection with muscle fibers. 

Additionally, stem cell therapies show promise in regulating the immune system and regulating inflammatory proteins, working to restore function to the spinal cords of patients who have partial paralysis due to the progression of transverse myelitis.

Stem cell studies working with transverse myelitis patients work to discover new possibilities in preventing the progression of the disease, reducing the relapse rate, and diminishing the harmful inflammatory effects of the condition. If you would like to learn more about stem cells for Transverse Myelitis contact us today!